There are various methods to achieve a sufficient supply of breast milk, such as increasing the frequency of breastfeeding, ensuring the right position between the baby and the breast, maintaining a balanced diet, using an appropriate breast pump, and lactation massage.

According to numerous studies, lactation massage has the potential to enhance the quality of breast milk as well as affect the nutritional components, increase milk flow, prevent blockages, and more. Let's just learn how to perform lactation massage effectively!

Benefits of lactation massage for breastfeeding mothers

According to research, breast massage provides several benefits in relation to the lactation process and breast milk supply, such as:

• Relieves breast pain to enhance maternal comfort during breastfeeding
• Enhances the nutritional value of breast milk, including its composition, fat content, concentration, fluidity, and energy, so increasing its benefits for the baby
• Increases the amount of milk that is produced by stimulating the breasts and ensuring that the milk ducts are not obstructed, which results in higher rates of milk production.
• Supports the prevention of breast problems such as engorgement, blocked milk ducts, and mastitis

Read more: Benefits Of Providing Mother's Milk (ASI) To Prematurized Babies

Step-by-step tutorial for lactation massage

Giving yourself a lactation massage is something you should not be afraid of or hesitant to do. Lactation massage can have good effects as long as you follow these guidelines and make sure no pain.

Following are the steps involved in lactation massage:

• First, you should focus on one of the breasts. Position four fingers on the upper part of the breast, and four fingers on the lower part of the breast. Then, massage in circular motions while avoiding applying an excessive amount of pressure.
• Proceed to perform a similar motion on the other breast after you have completed the circular motion on the first breast.

Read more: Know How To Experience Increase Mother's Water Production (ASI)

• To massage the entire area of the breast, in addition to using your fingers, you might try mild squeezing or movements with your fist.
• Another option is to use your index finger to press on the area just behind the nipple's base. This motion not only helps boost milk production, but it also helps unclog the milk ducts if they become clogged.
• After breastfeeding, you can perform this massage to assist in the process of emptying the breasts more efficiently.

A breastfeeding massage tool is an alternative to using your hands when massaging a baby. Made of flexible silicone, this instrument has two rounded edges—one broad and one narrow—that fit perfectly into the palm of the hand. With the right adjustments, this tool may duplicate the sensation of a finger massage while simultaneously heating up.

Using a lactation massager calls for caution, much as when you provide a massage with hands. Avoid too much pressure since it might actually make the breasts uncomfortable.

If you find it difficult to breastfeed or experience problems with breast milk supply, you can either visit a doctor, lactation counselor, or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.

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